Tattoo Glossary — R
Round Liner (RL)
A needle configuration where needles are grouped tightly in a circular formation, used for drawing lines. The number prefix indicates how many needles: 1RL is a single needle, 9RL has nine.
See also
Liner (needle)
A needle configuration used for drawing lines. Round liner (RL) needles are tightly grouped in a circular formation. Single needle (1RL) creates the finest possible lines; 9RL creates bolder linework.
Needle
The sterile, single-use implement that deposits ink into the dermis during tattooing. Needles come in various configurations (round liner, magnum shader, flat) and diameters.
Gauge
The thickness of a tattoo needle. Commonly used as a measure of needle diameter. Standard tattoo needles are 0.35mm (#12) or 0.30mm (#10) in diameter.